Polo IV (2001–2009)

Archive

True greatness comes from within

Factory code: 9N / 9N2 / 9N3

At the end of 2001, the fourth Polo generation (9N) was unveiled to the public at the IAA in Frankfurt. The fourth member of the successful family looked out onto the world with a new face and four clear-glass headlights, echoing the design theme of the smaller Lupo. Like its predecessors, the VW Polo was based on the proven concept of a transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drive.

In terms of appearance, the small car competed with many compact cars: 15 centimetres longer overall and a good five centimetres more space between the axles compared to the previous 6N2 generation made the Polo IV more spacious than ever before. In fact, the interior and exterior dimensions were now closer to those of the second Golf generation. And 270 litres of boot space (1,030 litres with the rear seats folded down) were more than enough for a small family. The Polo could be configured to suit individual customer requirements: the four equipment lines – Basis, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline – were complemented by two body options (three-door and five-door).

Three-cylinder engines made their debut in the engine compartment, while at the other end of the performance scale were the powerful turbo engines in the Polo GTI with 110 kW (150 PS) or 132 kW (180 PS) in the Cup Edition. Depending on the engine, manual and automatic transmissions were available.

Volkswagen emphasised that safety is just as important in small cars with an uncompromising safety package: front airbags, side airbags, power steering and anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. Electronic stability control (ESP) was available at extra cost, including hydraulically controlled brake assist (HBA). The Polo proved to be a tough nut to crack in the Euro NCAP crash test, confidently securing four stars. It performed just as well in terms of pedestrian safety. With an unladen weight of just under a tonne, the fully galvanised Polo remained a comparatively light car.

As part of a major product update (9N3), the Polo was given the new Volkswagen brand face in 2005, and the equipment lines were reorganised into Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline. The chassis design was revised with slightly firmer tuning, and the engine range was also revised.

Polo IV profile

Vehicle data

Engine versions

Polo IV variants & highlights

Archive

Polo IV (2001–2009)

B2025NR00100

Archive

Polo IV (2001–2009)

B2025NR00091

Archive

Polo IV (2001–2009)

B2025NR00092

Archive

Polo IV (2001–2009)

B2025NR00099

Polo IV model update

2003

More extras as standard

The Polo "Special" scored highly in 2003 with five doors as standard. The special edition also featured popular extras such as an anti-theft alarm system, electric windows, central locking, 16-inch aluminium wheels, and an MP3-compatible sound system from Volkswagen Individual as standard.

2003

A Polo in an unexpectedly classic form

With a saloon rear, the VW Polo became a small saloon in 2003. The body variant for the Polo 9N2 notchback saloon derivative was manufactured by Volkswagen do Brasil and imported to Europe. The voluminous rear end of the body extended by 28-centimetres offered more space for passengers in the second row than the hatchback variant, as well as a 432-litre boot.

2004

Fun vibes

Years before the boom in compact SUV models, Volkswagen Individual launched the special edition Polo "Fun" in spring 2004. The original product plan envisaged a production run of 5,000 vehicles. However, overwhelming customer feedback meant that the Polo Fun became a permanent model variant in the portfolio. Visually, the front-wheel-drive Polo Fun stood out from its series siblings with a beefy exterior kit featuring unique front and rear aprons, wheel arch mouldings, roof rails, fog lights, and special 17-inch alloy wheels. Roof rails and exterior mirror housings add silver accents. The generous standard equipment included sports seats in the front, a leather steering wheel, central locking with remote control, electric windows, and a sound system. The key to the compact appearance was a rough-road suspension with around 15 millimetres more ground clearance and a firmer set-up.

2004

Cultured luxury

The special edition Polo "Cricket" focused on luxurious accents: air conditioning, an automatically dimming interior mirror, rain sensor, electric windows, central locking, and a sound system with CD changer made every kilometre on board even more relaxing.

2004

Long live sport

The special edition Polo GT proved that driving pleasure is not the preserve of sports cars. With a 15-millimetre lower suspension, sporty 16-inch aluminium wheels, electric windows, and central locking, the Polo GT gained in stature. The sporty special edition was available with engines starting at 55 kW (75 PS).

2005

A breath of fresh air

Advance sales of the comprehensively revised Polo with the internal code 9N3 started in March 2005. The small car received a thorough facelift in the style of its brand siblings. The most striking features were the fresh front design with a hint of the crest grille and new rear lights with a three-dimensional effect, as seen on the Golf and Passat. On request, the Polo brought even more equipment details from higher classes to its segment: in addition to new audio systems, there was an optional coming home function for the lighting system, ParkPilot for even easier parking, and an electronically controlled tyre pressure monitoring system. With engine outputs ranging from 44 kW (60 PS) to a maximum of 132 kW (180 PS), the Polo mastered every tone, from sensible to decidedly sporty.

2006

Different name, same off-road fun

The CrossPolo was the successor to the successful Polo Fun and was once again available exclusively as a five-door model. The attractive mix of proven Polo technology and striking add-on parts with an SUV-look was carried over 1:1 from its predecessor. Particularly striking were the wraparound plastic covers, the 15-millimetre increase in ground clearance thanks to a rough-road chassis, and the standard high-quality 17-inch aluminium wheels. The CrossPolo also boasted a lavish interior. Its standard equipment included fine details such as ergonomic sports seats for the driver and front passenger, a leather steering wheel with good grip, and central locking with remote control. The power output ranged from 47 to 77 kW (64 to 105 PS).

2006

Kind to the environment and your wallet

The Polo BlueMotion, available from summer 2006, heralded the BlueMotion era at Volkswagen. Thorough modifications minimised air resistance: the chassis was lowered by 15 millimetres. The front end featured a discreet front spoiler and a significantly smaller cooling air intake. To eliminate wind turbulence as far as possible, the Polo BlueMotion models featured a sharp spoiler lip at the rear. The manual gearbox had longer ratios in the upper gears to reduce engine speed and thus achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption. The three-cylinder pump-nozzle turbo diesel direct injection engine delivered a maximum output of 59 kW (80 PS) and was equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard to improve emission values. The bottom line is that the EWG standard consumption was reduced to just 3.8 litres of diesel.

2006

Exciting not only for football fans

To mark the 2006 World Cup, Volkswagen launched the Polo "Goal". The special model combined popular extras in a single package. In addition to cruise control (GRA), there was air conditioning, a powerful sound system with CD function, and ParkPilot parking assistance. As a charming bonus, the Polo came with an original "Tipp-Kick" game: Volkswagen had a special edition of the cult game produced especially for the Goal special models: all players wore shirts with the Volkswagen label and Goal as the motif.

2006

A legend returns

The new Polo GTI skilfully built on the great heritage of its predecessors. Thanks to a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with 110 kW (150 PS), the Polo offered sports-car-like performance on demand. The derivative revealed its affiliation to the GTI family through various details: red brake callipers, door sill panels with "GTI" lettering, a honeycomb radiator grille with "GTI" lettering, and black sill extensions made the Polo instantly recognisable as a GTI from the outside. Inside, the handbrake lever handle and gear knob were finished in leather with red stitching, and the three-spoke steering wheel was in perforated leather. The seat belts had red decorative stitching, and the seat covers featured the matching GTI "Interlagos" design. Four Denver aluminium wheels in 6.5 J x 16 with 205/45 R 16 tyres were also included as standard. The GTI also offered a wealth of practical features: fog lights, a tyre pressure monitoring system, Climatic air conditioning, a 15-millimetre lower sports suspension, and central locking with remote control were all included as standard.

2006

A GTI with racing genes

The Polo IV GTI "Cup Edition" designed by Volkswagen Individual was a tribute to the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup and crowned the sporty Polo range. A 1.8-litre turbo engine with a maximum output of 132 kW (180 PS) ensured an impressive driving experience. It sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds and had a top speed of 225 km/h. Unique features of the Polo GTI Cup Edition included particularly voluminous front and rear aprons, wider side skirts, and the "Cup Edition" roof spoiler in the vehicle colour. Four 7.5 J x 17 Aristo alloy wheels with 205/40 R 17 tyres ensured optimum road holding at all times. The Cup Edition foil lettering on the boot lid was exclusive. The brake system on the front axle was upgraded compared to the standard Polo GTI: the brake discs on the front axle now measured an impressive 312 millimetres in diameter.

2007

Equipped for the long haul

As a result of a collaboration with the tourism group TUI, Volkswagen presented the Polo special models "Tour" and "Tour Edition" in 2007. The extended standard equipment of the Polo Tour included electronic stability control (ESP) and cruise control (GRA). Air conditioning, a sound system with CD player, and ParkPilot parking assistance ensured even greater comfort on the road. As an additional upgrade, the Polo Tour Edition special model was offered with a glass sunroof and privacy glass for the side and rear windows.

2007

Team spirit is its strength

The special edition Polo "United" lends its name to Germany's largest indoor football tournament. The extended standard equipment of the Polo United included electronic stability control (ESP) and cruise control (GRA). Heated front seats, air conditioning, a CD sound system, and ParkPilot parking aid were strong comfort features. The standard headlight cleaning system was ideal for perfect visibilit

2008

Sporty design

The special edition "GT Rocket" skilfully emphasised the dynamic qualities of the Polo: a sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres, interior trim with attractive red trim strips, a small leather package, and the automatic "Climatronic" air conditioning system gave it an exclusive appearance. Depending on the engine, the Polo GT Rocket, with power outputs ranging from 59 kW (80 PS) to 96 kW (130 PS), looked particularly attractive thanks to the combination of a rear spoiler, side skirts, bumper trims in the body colour, and stylish 7.5 x 17 Aristo aluminium wheels in black. The special colours Rocket Orange, Black, and Reflex Silver were particularly flattering for this eye-catching model.

2008

Black and silver are the colours of the day

The special editions Polo "Black Edition" and Polo "Silver Edition" boasted significantly enhanced standard equipment: the package ranged from a sound system with CD player and climatic air conditioning to tinted rear windows, electronic stability control (ESP), and 16-inch aluminium wheels. The Black Edition also featured sporty black headlights.

2009

Strong fourth generation

By the end of production, the Polo IV had sold a total of 4.1 million units worldwide.